Significance

• Many items--often thrown away--can be used to make the compost. This includes leaves, grass clippings and other yard trimmings. Other usable items are kitchen scraps such as coffee grounds, egg shells, and fruit and vegetable peelings.
  
  

Function

• The composting cycle goes through several steps. It starts with bacteria and is soon joined by fungi and protozoans, which will all break down plant tissue. Small insects, including earthworms, will help in the decomposition procees. Nutrients needed in the compost will naturally occur in the raw materials of the compost mix.
  
  

Considerations

• The composting cycle is speeded up if there is more surface area. This gives the microorganisms more room to work. Water and air are necessary to help the microbes function better. Faster compost occurs with the proper mix of mositure, air and organic materials. The composting cycle is complete when the resulting composted "soil" is dark brown, crumbles easily and has an earthy smell.